Joint NNPCF and Contact - For families with disabled children National Conference for Parent Carer Forums (PCFs)

February 10, 2026

Representing Southend at the National Parent Carer Forums' Conference


Some of our team recently travelled to Sheffield to attend the joint National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF) and Contact – For Families with Disabled Children National Conference for Parent Carer Forums. It was a really valuable day bringing together parent carer forums from across the country to learn from one another, share experiences, and discuss the future of SEND support.


The conference provided a space for open and honest conversations about the current SEND landscape and the changes families are experiencing. There was a strong focus on SEND reform and alternative provision, alongside discussions about strengthening parent carer forums, building regional capacity, and ensuring long-term sustainability. Throughout the day, the importance of lived experience remained central — highlighting the need for clear communication, accountability and meaningful co-production with families.


There was also a focus on improving access and inclusion through a mix of online and in-person approaches, recognising that different families need different ways to engage and be supported.


We were pleased that senior representatives from the Department for Education joined the conference, including Claire Burton, Director for SEND and Alternative Provision, who spent the day listening to parent carers and taking part in workshops. The discussions highlighted both the challenges families continue to face and the commitment being made nationally to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND.


One of the most valuable parts of the day was the opportunity to meet directly with Minister Gould, Minister for School Standards. We were able to share real experiences and feedback from families in Southend, helping ensure that local voices are heard in national conversations about SEND policy and practice. It was encouraging to see the Minister engage with parent carers and reflect on the issues being raised.


Alongside the formal sessions, it was great to connect with other parent carer forums from across the country, exchange ideas, and build supportive relationships. These connections are so important in strengthening our work locally and learning from what’s working well in other areas.



Overall, it was a full and productive day of learning, discussion and collaboration. We’ll be bringing what we’ve learned back into our work in Southend to continue improving how we listen to families, represent parent carers, and work alongside local services to create positive change for children and young people with SEND.

SEND Reform Engagement Event - 17th April 2026

April 17, 2026
The SEND Partnership hosted an information Event today and presented an overview of the key proposed changes, highlighting the areas the government is consulting on, and empowering parent carers with the information needed to share their views with confidence. We're pleased to share the presentation slides for parent carers who would like to revisit the information or find out more about the proposed changes. SEND Reform Information Day Slides. We hope that those who attended found the session informative and helpful in explaining the SEND reform proposals. Your views are incredibly important. We are continuing to gather feedback from parent carers through our survey, which will help shape our formal response to the SEND White Paper. We would really value hearing from as many parent carers as possible. Complete the survey. We would also encourage you to share your views directly with the government too by responding to the official consultation, so your voice is heard at a national level as well. Government Consultation . Thank you for your continued support and engagement.

Topic Talks for SEND Information Day - We need your help!

March 30, 2026
SEND Information Day – 16th June We’re planning our upcoming topic talks for our SEND Information Day, on Tuesday 16th June and we want them to reflect what you really want to hear about. What would you like to know more about? What information or support would make the biggest difference to you right now? The talks will be organised under three main areas: • Education • Health • Social Care Is there something you’ve been struggling to understand? A topic you feel isn’t talked about enough? Or something you’d really like clearer information on? – Your feedback will help shape the event talks. Please note that we won’t be discussing the proposed SEND reforms on the day, as the consultation closes in mid-May and we’ll be waiting for the outcome by the time the information day takes place. Please complete our short survey with your ideas. Thank you for helping us make this day as useful and supportive as possible for parent carers

SEND Newsletter

March 11, 2026
Have you signed up to the monthly SEND Newsletter yet? 📩 The SEND Newsletter is a monthly e-newsletter from the Southend SEND Partnership, bringing together organisations and services that support children and young people with SEND and their families in Southend. It’s designed to keep you up to date with local information, opportunities and support available to families. We contribute to the newsletter each month too, so it’s a great way to see what we’re sharing alongside updates from other local services. Subscribe here:

SEND Information Day - 16th June 2026

March 9, 2026
Event details SEND Information Day Southend SEND Independent Forum (SSIF) and the SEND Local Offer Team are pleased to announce the second Southend SEND Information Day on Tuesday 16 June 2026. This is a free event for the Southend SEND community. It is open to parent carers or family members of children or young people with SEND, and professionals. Venue: Southend Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6ER Time: 9.30am to 2.30pm Hold the date - further information to follow soon! For a taste of what to expect at the event in June, read about the 2025 SEND Information Day and watch videos here . Pre-register for the event! You can just drop-in on the day, but why not make things easier and pre-register?! Get advance information about the event direct to your inbox, so you can plan your visit and make the most of your time.